365 Things to do in Syracuse, NY

This is a bitter sweet moment for me. As this is my last post for 2013 and for 365 Things Syracuse, I want to thank all of the supporters and friends I have had throughout this process, It’s been quite the ride.

I’m not going to lie, this blog has become a mixed bag of emotions for me. Some days, it felt as if this year would never end, there were moments of weakness when I wanted to throw in the towel. But, then I’d received a thank you email or a new like on Facebook and I’d remember why I even started this blog.

I had so much fun participating in events that I otherwise would have never gotten the chance to be a part of. It’s been a rewarding experience, and I will look back on 2013 as a very pivotal year. So, thank you for that!

Now…moving on.

I don’t know any better way to kick off the new year than to spend it listening to HANSON.

YES, you heard me right!! Girls in your mid to late 20s, stop screaming..it’s true!!! The first boy band of our time, the Mmmmbops of mmmmbops are coming to Syracuse and they’re performing for us ON NEW YEARS EVE!!!

Now I know you’re probably thinking, “WHY DID YOU NOT TELL ME THIS SOONER?!” Well, it’s probably because a) there was SO much to do in December and b) I quite literally saved the best for last!

HOW FREAKING EXCITING IS THIS!!!!

This event is for people of all ages, there will be laser tag, crafts, a dance party and the evening will end with Hanson performing their classic hits. Ohmygodohmygodohmygod.

Okay, but seriously…this event is probably one of the best ones put on all year. The parking is in the village of Liverpool…you just have to show up between 7pm-Midnight & if you stop into Dunkin Donuts…YOU GET A FREE DRINK!

I hope you find this in time, cancel all your plans and head to the Parkway this evening…because that is where I will be.

The second to last post for this blog is upon us…there are only 2 days left in 2013…I really truly can not believe this is over!

New Years Eve has never really been my thing…I don’t know what it is, but I’m just not one to get all dolled up and go somewhere really expensive. I also usually have to work on the 31st (lame!). But, I’m only one person, and a lot of people know that NYE is a huge celebration where they buy glittery dresses and pay $100 for open bar and listen to live music… which is awesome! I’m all about having fun! This year, I’m definitely going out!

For those people with families, who don’t have to work on the 31st or who are going to call in sick and take the family somewhere special… I think you should check out The Zoo!

There will be fun and games and animals and crafts and more! All with just the admission to the zoo. It’s Tuesday, December 31st from 10:30am-noon

When I went to the Landmark to watch White Christmas I was in awe of it’s grandiose interior. It’s like a time machine. It’s one of my favorite places in Syracuse.

When I heard about this party I thought to myself, what better way to spend NYE with friends than in the most remarkable building in town!

40 Below is pretty sweet, it’s a group of passionate and dedicated locals interested in revitalizing and highlighting Syracuse as a great place.

This party has a lot to offer too!

Tickets range from $160 to $110 dollars (which, I know might seem like a lot…but there’s a good chance you’d spend that while bar hopping…) for 5 hours of open bar, live music, prizes, and more! You can purchase them here.

If you’re not feeling celebrating the end of a wonderful year, reconsider. This is going to be one fun party!

Tip: Don’t drink and drive people! If you buy a ticket to the 40 below party, you can get $100 off select rooms at the Jefferson Clinton Hotel.

It’s game day in Syracuse and we’re also celebrating a Bowl Game victory last night!

Something that is a tradition on the hill when there’s a home game is to stop by Varsity Pizza and grab a slice of the best pizza in town.

Varsity has been around for a long time. The facade says it all. Inside, it looks like history frozen in time. And on game days, the line will stretch out the door with people waiting to get a slice of this famous pie.

Not only that, but they’ve got a menu of mouth watering fare, including my favorite rueben and fries….FOR $5.99. Can’t be beat people.

Tip: If the line looks long, don’t worry. It moves fast, those guys behind the counter know what they’re doing!

I’m frequently around Marshall Street…being a grad student at SU has me near and on the campus basically every day of the week, which means that I’ve had Chiptole and Pita Pit and Jimmy Johns more times than I can count…

However, now I have added King David’s into the rotation and I’ve never been happier.

King David’s is as authentic as it can get…with specializing in middle eastern food, they’ve got a menu full of falafel and gyros and dinner plates that make your head spin.

Literally everything I’ve had from there is delicious! If you’re ever on Marshall Street, or Fayetteville (they’ve got a 2nd restaurant in the Fayetteville Town Square) stop in…forgo the loaded burrito at Chipotle or the lightening fast speed at Jimmy Johns.

When I first started this blog, I was approached by an individual who wanted to help me in whatever way he could. He had mentioned he was trying to start his own company here in Syracuse, which offered distinctive tours in three distinctive locations throughout the city.

Immediately, I thought it was a brilliant plan. How great to get to know Syracuse from someone who is passionate about this place!

As time went on, he included 365 Things Syracuse on his blog, featuring something to do every Tuesday. It was not only great exposure, but it was also a reminder that I was doing the right thing with 365 Things Syracuse. It was and still is, an honor to have a little link on his blog!

He has finally started to put the finishing touches on the tours, and just launched a new website, which is awesome because now I can feature him on this blog before it’s too late! (5 days…people!)

I went on a sort of “mock tour” this summer as part of a test-group and loved every second of it. We went to all the hot spots in Armory Square, we got to taste some AMAZING scallops at BC, delicious irish liqueur shots at Kitty Hoynes and even a sample of Empire Brews…we learned about the history of the buildings and walked the streets of Armory Square learning about the family and relationships the restaurants, bars and stores have created.

Afterwards, I immediately told all of my friends that when these tours launch they HAVE to go on one!

The tours range from $40-85 dollars, and they’re well worth it! You have to sign up